As a student, you have a lot on your plate. There are assignments to work on, deadlines to meet, and projects to worry about. You’re under pressure to perform well, but all these demands can result in burnout. At some point, your productivity may go down drastically. You may find it hard to concentrate during class or start slacking on note-taking. Even when you try to study, your brain might not retain much.
Sounds all too familiar? If so, it might be time to think about implementing some strategies to increase your productivity. After all, you don’t want to lag, nor do you want to risk the money spent on courses. So, how do you bring more productive hours into your student life?
When you get more results from the time put in, they motivate you to work even harder. In the long run, productivity also helps enhance your mental health and encourages a positive mindset. Ready to begin your journey to increased productivity? Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Monitor Your Performance
Tracking your progress as a student can be tricky if you don’t use the proper tools for it. While you can manually calculate your GPA during the semester, it pays to use something like the Back2College GPA calculator. This way, you can simply input the required information and get an idea of where you stand.
There are also several other ways to track academic performance as a student. Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Keep a log of all the books, journal articles, and notes.
- Join digital learning platforms that offer tracking features.
- Make a digital portfolio of your best assignments, research papers, essays, and so on. When you see that file growing, you’re on the right track.
- Attempt practice quizzes and tests before the real ones roll around. This way, you’ll know about the gaps in your preparation and can focus on the problem areas.
2. Study in a Large Space with Good Lighting
Whether you live in a hostel or have to create a study space at home, lighting and location are crucial. The place where you study influences your productivity pattern.
If you want to maximize the potential of your study hours, opt for an open, bright space with proper lighting. There’s a reason why many students prefer to study in libraries. They’re quiet, well-lit places with valuable resources and a studying environment. What’s not to love?
If you don’t have easy or unlimited access to a library, consider studying in an open outdoor space. Try the porch, a balcony, or a secluded spot with plenty of natural light. For evening study sessions, choose a room with good lighting. If there isn’t one, try bringing in some lamps and LED lights for a better environment. You need to keep those eye and brain muscles active and charged!
3. Get Creative!
Once you establish a study spot, try adding a creative touch to it. Hang posters with inspirational and motivating quotes on the walls. Use highlighters to create colorful, eye-grabbing lists of facts and details. Put flashcards on a board at eye level, or use sticky notes to remember the tricky stuff.
These little tricks will help to add some color to your study area. Staying in a dull, drab space can reduce your motivation to study, so color is essential in some cases. Plus, having these materials around will help you stay immersed in a fun studying experience.
4. Ask Questions, Start Discussions
You don’t have to stick to the pages of a book while studying. Many times, students may get a newfound interest in a subject by discussing it with others. You can sit down in a group or book an appointment with a professor.
Discussing subjects, topics, and ideas will open up your critical thinking ability. It will also enhance your communication skills and help you enjoy your time as a student.
5. Set up a Reward System
Studying hard always pays off in the long run, but your motivation might need some short-term benefits too. If you’re having difficulty completing a task, set a reward at the end of it. For instance, tell yourself that after 45 minutes of focused study, you can go for a relaxing walk.
Other rewards may include using social media for a limited time, having an occasional candy bar, or something else that brings you happiness. Don’t forget to prioritize your happiness and mental well-being. If setting up a reward system is what works, go for it.
6. Make a Study Plan
How many days do you have until the next big exam? For many students, having a customized schedule is essential for maximizing productive hours. While drawing out your schedule, it can help to keep some time management tips in mind.
Having a detailed schedule will help you stay focused on the main goal. You will also be able to reward yourself this way. There should be a task for each day or each study session. Focusing on that will hopefully motivate you and help you finish assignments before their deadline.
7. Start with the Easiest or Most Favorite Subject
Let’s say you have a few courses or subjects to cover this semester. Is there a favorite course that you’re looking forward to studying? Perhaps there’s one subject that comes easier to you or won’t take up as much time.
When making a study schedule, try to begin with one of these options. Starting with your favorite subject will get you into the flow of studying. See what works best for you and plan accordingly.
Conclusion
If you’re feeling burned out and unproductive, know you’re not alone. Most students have to grapple with this dilemma at some point. Fortunately, there are various ways to enhance your productivity as a student.
The tips and guidelines above are a great starting point, but they’re not exhaustive. Try incorporating one productivity tip at a time, and see what else can help out. A little effort is all it takes to get those grades up!